Self-Discovery and Growth

A blanket ban on social media for under-16s may sound like protection, but for many LGBTQ young people it could cut off one of the few safe routes to support, language, and belonging. The UK’s push to make the internet safer for children comes from a real concern. Young people can face bullying, harmful content, grooming, addiction-style app design, and pressure that adults barely understand themselves. None of that should be brushed aside. But a ban is a blunt tool. It treat

School can be a tough place when you feel like you don’t fit in. For me, the last six months of school were a turning point. I finally found a few friends who accepted me for who I was—Abby, Shahed, and Kaitlin. That acceptance made all the difference. Even though I struggled with some classes, especially English, and faced challenges with certain teachers and peers, I managed to pass my exams and look forward to what came next. This summer was a chance to leave school behind

Adolescence is a time filled with change, self-discovery, and sometimes confusion. For me, being part of the cadets was a steady part of my life, but it was also where I met someone who challenged what I thought I knew about myself. Gardner, a female friend I met at cadets, became more than just a friend. She was my first girlfriend, even though I had always believed I was 100% gay. This experience opened my eyes to the complexities of identity, love, and friendship during th

When I first transferred to the 1350 Fareham Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC), no one knew about my sexuality. I kept it to myself, unsure of how others would react. The fear of being judged or bullied weighed heavily on me. But soon, the truth came out—not through me, but through the whispers and gossip that spread from school to the squadron. What happened next surprised me in ways I never expected. Facing the Unknown in a New Environment At school, I had faced some

When I think back to my teenage years, one person stands out more than anyone else: Ben. I don’t remember exactly how we met, but I do remember the feeling of wanting to be around him all the time. Ben was unlike anyone else I knew. He was rough around the edges, a bit of a troublemaker, but to me, he was the gentlest person I ever met. Who Was Ben? Ben was what some might call a chav or a yob. He had that rebellious streak that got him kicked out of school, and he wasn’t afr

Growing up as a Navy brat, you might expect my story to be filled with tales of the sea, ships, and maybe even Sea Cadets. But instead, my dad signed me up for Air Cadets, which is connected to the Royal Air Force. If you’re wondering why he didn’t send me to Navy or Sea Cadets, you’re not alone. Here’s the real story behind that choice, and how it shaped me in unexpected ways. The Simple Reason: Convenience At the time, where we lived, there was no local Navy or Sea Cadet un